Notre Dame Installs Three Geothermal Fields

The University of Notre Dame has installed three underground geothermal fields designed to lower campus carbon dioxide emissions, reduce use of natural gas and coal, and create long-term savings, according to the South Bend Tribune.

The geothermal fields were built underneath a grassy quad just east of Hesburgh Library, below the parking lot just south of Notre Dame Stadium, and under the athletic fields and marching band practice field near Stepan Center.

As of now, only the small field near the campus library is operating. The other two fields are expected to come online in 2018 and 2019.

When fully operating, the three geothermal fields together are expected to reduce the university’s carbon dioxide emissions by 11,803 tons, an 8% reduction compared to fiscal year 2016.

Notre Dame has invested about $40 million in the three fields, according to the university. The university expects to recoup that cost in energy savings within 15 years.